Nationals, Rays, Padres Interested In Eric Chavez

The Yankees aren’t the only team interested in free agent infielder Eric Chavez. The Nationals, Rays and Padres are among the other clubs interested in the Scott Leventhal client, tweets Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.

Chavez, 34, posted a .263/.320/.356 line in a reserve role for the Yankees last year, backing up at third and even appearing at first base. The Yankees, who failed to reach an agreement with Japanese infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima, have interest in re-signing the six-time Gold Glove winner. This is the first time the Nationals, Rays and Padres have been linked to Chavez this offseason.

I don’t think the Padres knew they would be acquiring Quentin to take over in leftfield either. They can’t possibly put Guzman in rightfield with Quentin in left. Maybin would go crazy out there. Outfield defense iis a necessary in Petco. If Alonso is ready for 1st, and Byrnes seems to think he is, where is Guzman going to play other than 3rd? Is he too a trade candidate?

Quentin will get days off. Alsonso as a young player will get mental days, and a spell against tough LHP. Expect to see a lot of double switches this year. I think people are drooling over a small sample size with Guzman. I think he’s a very nice hitter. He’s a complete hack on defense anywhere. Matt Stairs and Oscar Salazar have played games in Petco park. So did Adrian’s brother Edgar. Guzman will get his bats. I just don’t see a team giving up fair value to entice the Padres to move Guzman. I wanted Guzman to get called up in the beginning of last year, for what it’s worth. I wouldn’t mind seeing Guzman get a day every now and then at third.

However, if the Fo did that, they would be going against everything they have said. It could happen. Guzman’s played more 3B in his pro career than anywhere else. By a long shot.

Gyorko’s not a “full year (or more) away”. He needs more Ab’s on the higher levels, but he should break in at the end of 2012.

The FO does not view Guzman as a third baseman even though that’s where he’s played his most games in his pro career. He has been playing a lot of OF in the Venezuelan League. However, I wouldn’t mind him getting a game once a week, but I think the Padres do.

Yes he is, he spent something like a 1/3 of a year in AA and his numbers fell a decent amount from A ball. He should start the season in AA and work his way into AAA this season. His AA numbers don’t show a guy ready for the big leagues just yet.

I agree though that the front office doesn’t view Guzman as a 3B, his bat last year should get him into the lineup somewhere just about everyday (I hope) – to see if last year was a fluke. I’m not comfortable having him at third everyday, but I can handle a day or so a week there.

No he’s not. It has not been determined yet if he will start in AA or AAA this year. AA is primarily the grooming ground for premier prospects. So, I would imagine him starting there and being moved up quickly.

Remember, he destroyed the notorious hitter friendly Cal League. His numbers decreasing considerably moving up to the biggest challenge in AA for a MiLB player is not uncommon and was no slouch!

Did you forget (or are aware) of what he did in the AFL? Might want to check that out. He’s being fast tracked. He’s a collegiate bat. One of the more polished in the draft, and now in the minors.

Don’t get me wrong, I think Gyorko is and will be excellent. I’m very excited to see what he can do, it’s just rare for a player to advance to the majors that quickly successfully. If later in the year he shows he’s ready I would be thrilled, I just don’t want to count on him being ready this season.

Not for a top hitting collegiate hitter who the scouts are absolutely falling even more in love with everyday. I’m not saying he will come up this year mid-season and not skip a beat.

Everything I hear, he is being fast tracked and could easily make his debut in 2012. His AFL numbers were absurd!

Also, it wouldm’t be counting on him per se. It would be to sell high in a WEAK third base market while the Padres have other options such as, Forsythe, Darnell and to possibly add Chavez for insurance? Makes sense.

Other then 3rd, where is Guzman going to play? With Quentin in LF, Venable in RF, and Alonso presumably at 1st, where will he get his at bats? He’ll play 1st against tough lefties and DH in interleague, but 3rd is his best option for playing time if Headley is dealt.

I agree Mickey, this could be the fore runner to a blockbuster Headley deal. I think Gyroko will be ready by mid-year and since this is a rebuilding year anyway, Chavez and Guz can hold down 3b until Gyroko arrives. Could it be a three way deal: Cubs-Tigers-Padres? Cubs get Headley, Tigers get Garza and the Padres get Porcello plus prospects?

Wasn’t he pretty much done a couple years ago with the back problems? If there is a Headley deal in the works I am all in but I wonder what the padres would get for him and curious to what they would be asking in return.

I would. Turner is a top 50 prospect in all of baseball, I’m not sure what people expect to get for Headley. I agree that his numbers will look better away from Petco, but I don’t see him becoming the next Longoria.

Don’t forget the Reds had actually tried Alonso at 3b also, he still very young and could man the position his problem was not his glove but his range and now that he lost 20lbs who knows, maybe he can play 3B and have Chavez to tutor him keeping Guzman at first.